25.1
PDI
9.9 mi
DISTANCE
3,834 ft
GAINED
7.4 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
This route follows nearly the entire length of the legendary Hautacam climb - sharing all but its final 1.5 km - before pushing on 1.2 km past the ski station to finish at Col de Tramassel itself. From Ayros-Arbouix, the climb covers 15.9 km (9.9 mi) and gains 1169 m (3,834 ft) at an average grade of 7.4%.
Hautacam is one of the Tour de France's defining mountain finishes, hosting summit stages in 1994, 1996, 2000, 2008, 2014, 2022 and most recently 2025, with winners including Bjarne Riis, Juan José Cobo and Jonas Vingegaard. Where the official Tour finish stops at the ski station car park, this route continues on a recently paved extension to Col de Tramassel, trading the crowded car park for open pastureland and some of the best views on the whole climb.
Ayros-Arbouix sits at the base of one of the Pyrenees' densest concentrations of legendary climbs - Argelès-Gazost, a few kilometers down the valley, is a genuine cycling hub with the Col du Tourmalet, Col d'Aubisque, Luz Ardiden and Col de Spandelles all within a short ride.
Hautacam's ski resort ended full-scale downhill skiing after the 2024-2025 season and now runs a reduced, snow-dependent winter operation - it doesn't change the road, but means fewer summer amenities at the old base area than in past years.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. Average grade is 7.4% over 15.9 km (9.9 mi), gaining 1,169 m (3,834 ft). The steepest kilometer, roughly two-thirds of the way up, averages 10.5%.
Roadway: The road is paved the entire way and in good condition - a well maintained two-lane mountain road with no center line for much of its length and no shoulder.
Traffic: Traffic is light. Hautacam is a dead-end road serving only the ski station and Col de Tramassel beyond it, so there's no through-traffic - just the occasional local or fellow cyclist.
Parking: Ayros-Arbouix, at the base of the climb, has limited roadside parking near the start; many riders instead base themselves in Argelès-Gazost, a few kilometers further down the valley with more services. At the top, the main lot is the old ski station car park just before the official Hautacam summit - continue another 1.2 km on the paved extension to Col de Tramassel for a quieter spot and better views.
Provisions: There's nothing along the climb itself, but a small restaurant operates at Col de Tramassel, right at the top of this route - a welcome reward after 15.9 km of climbing. Stock up in Argelès-Gazost before you start.
Gear: At over 1,500 m, temperatures at the finish can be considerably cooler and windier than in the valley - pack a light jacket for the descent.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
For those looking to stay in the area we would recommend the Pyrenees Cycling Lodge. Located in the beautiful medieval village of Saint Savin and hosted by Mark & Niamh, the Lodge is run by cyclists for cyclists. It is a great location for any cycling adventure in the Pyrenees with several renowned climbs within 100km of the property and 6 Tour de France climbs within 15km. Visit their website or contact them directly at pyreneescyclinglodge@gmail.com .
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